How does the USPTO define an abandoned patent application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) defines an abandoned patent application through the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) 203.05. According to this section, an abandoned application is defined as: An abandoned application is, inter alia, one which is removed from the Office docket of pending applications This removal from the docket can occur for various reasons, including formal abandonment, failure to take appropriate action during prosecution, non-payment of fees, or the expiration of the statutory period for provisional applications. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Abandoned Application Requirements MPEP 203 Notice of Allowability Form and Status Inquiries for Patents MPEP 203 Permitted Status of Allowed Nonprovisional Applications MPEP 203 Required Check Patent Center for Application Status MPEP 203 Recommended AAU Checks Application Status MPEP 203 Status Information Available Through Patent Center MPEP 203 PTOL-37 and PTOL-85 in Allowed Applications MPEP 203.08 Permitted Request for Continued Examination Not a New Application MPEP 203 Amendment Before First Office Action Does Not Alter New Application Status MPEP 203 Incomplete Application Requirement MPEP 203 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What are the main reasons for patent application abandonment? What is the significance of the Office docket in patent application status? When is a provisional patent application considered abandoned? What happens to abandoned applications that are later revived? What is an abandoned patent application?